How to Get Plaque Off Children's Teeth Quiz

Good dental hygiene is important for kids and adults, but avoiding plaque buildup can be especially challenging with youngsters. Do you understand the dangers of plaque and the methods you can choose to keep your kid's smile healthy?

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Question 1 of 20

True or False: Plaque is no more harmful to toddlers than adults.

True. Teeth are teeth.

False. The enamel on a toddler’s teeth is thinner than that of adults.

If that enamel is eaten away by plaque, your child will have a painful tooth.

Question 2 of 20

As time goes on, plaque turns into this hardened substance.

Enamel

Calcium

Tartar

It's also easier to remove plaque than tartar.

Question 3 of 20

How many teeth does your child need before you should begin flossing?

Four

Two, if they're side by side

Better start flossing when you've got two teeth side by side. Plaque becomes hard to get with a toothbrush in the crevices between teeth.

A full set

Question 4 of 20

True or False: You don’t need to concern yourself with plaque until your child has teeth.

True. That’s a no-brainer isn’t it?

False. Rubbing your baby’s gums with a wash cloth can get him or her accustomed to the routine which will later prevent plaque buildup.

Your baby may actually enjoy having his or her gums massaged with a wash cloth.

Question 5 of 20

This type of toothbrush is best for small children.

Hard-bristled

Medium-bristled

Soft-bristled

A child's mouth needs a gentler brush.

Question 6 of 20

You can floss your child’s teeth if you:

sedate him

place him on your lap

If he lies on your lap facing up, you'll be able to floss his teeth effectively.

threaten him

Question 7 of 20

Most children won’t be able to floss effectively until this age.

8 or 9

Age 3 or 4 is probably too young, but if your child is asking you to floss his teeth before he goes to work, you may have a problem.

3 or 4

38 or 39

Question 8 of 20

Why are songs helpful when kids are brushing their teeth?

The vibration of humming loosens plaque.

You can easily jam a brush in their mouths when they’re singing.

By having them hum a set number of stanzas, you insure that they brush for the necessary two minutes.

Humming helps pass the time and can also make the task more fun for your child.

Question 9 of 20

It may take coaxing and a little bit of this to help keep your children’s teeth clean.

Hydrogen peroxide

A cattle prod

Creativity

Breaking out the hydrogen peroxide and a cattle prod certainly shows creativity, but creativity by itself can make tooth-brushing time more fun.

Question 10 of 20

True or False: If your child brushes and flosses regularly, dental visits will not be necessary.

True. You can save the money.

False. You should still take your child to see the dentist.

Your dentist can give your child a more thorough tooth cleaning and inspect other aspects of his or her dental health, too.

Question 11 of 20

True or False: Your degree of involvement in your child’s dental hygiene should remain constant throughout their youth.

True. Their teeth will always be important.

False. Like anything else, children need less help with dental hygiene as they mature.

If your child has established strong dental cleaning habits, thanks to your help, you won't have to assist as much.

Question 12 of 20

Aside from music, these devices can also be helpful during brushing.

Chisels

Timers

Try a colorful, plastic hour-glass with two minutes worth of sand.

Picks

Question 13 of 20

If you notice white specks or a brown stain on your child's permanent teeth, this could be a sign of what?

Neurosis

Fluorosis

Fluorosis may present itself if, during your child's formative years, he or she ingested too much fluoride from toothpaste, fluoride-containing beverages or other sources.

Ketosis

Question 14 of 20

True or False: Plaque can do its dirty work a lot faster in a toddler’s mouth.

True. Because the enamel is thinner on a baby tooth, plaque can destroy it faster.

Thin enamel makes baby teeth more cavity prone.

False. Plaque is the same regardless of where it takes root.

Question 15 of 20

Plaque is made of tiny food particles and what else?

Viruses

Free radicals

Bacteria

When bacteria has a home in your child's mouth, it can do damage to his or her teeth.

Question 16 of 20

True or False: Tartar can be easily removed.

True. It just takes regular work.

False. It usually has to be scraped off by a dentist.

It's always easier to prevent tartar than to remove it.

Question 17 of 20

The minimum amount of time your child should brush is:

Two minutes

Of course, the time spent will be irrelevant if your child isn't doing a good job of brushing during the two minutes.

Thirty seconds

Fifteen minutes

Question 18 of 20

Plaque buildup can lead to this type of gum disease:

Hepatitis

Halitosis

Gingivitis

You can fight gingivitis and keep the gums and teeth healthy by cleaning both with a brush.

Question 19 of 20

The most common place for plaque to grow is:

In crevices

Naturally, if plaque can hide in crevices, it can take root.

On the front of teeth

On the back of teeth

Question 20 of 20

This can be used to highlight where plaque has built up in your child's mouth.